Day: April 19, 2025

GO Seeks PM’s Intervention Over OGRA Chief’s PerformanceSaudi-backed firm cites regulatory concerns, calls for leadership reforms

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KARACHI: Gas and Oil Pakistan Limited (GO), partly owned by Saudi oil giant Aramco, has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the performance of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Chairperson Masroor Khan, citing ineffective leadership and growing instability in the sector. In a formal letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, GO expressed serious concerns over OGRA’s handling of key industry issues. Despite Chairperson Khan’s background in the energy sector, the company alleged that his tenure has delivered limited progress on vital regulatory matters. “Repeated meetings have failed…

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NEPRA to Review Tariff Cut Proposal for Four Government Power Plants Public hearing set for April 24; plan aims to reduce electricity costs and idle payments

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NEPRA

ISLAMABAD: In a major move to slash electricity costs, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has admitted joint tariff cut applications from the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guarantee (CPPA-G) and four state-owned power plants. A public hearing on the proposed adjustments is scheduled for April 24, 2025. The plants include National Power Parks Management Company’s Balloki and Haveli Bahadur Shah facilities, Central Power Generation Company’s 747MW Guddu plant, and Northern Power Generation Company’s Nandipur plant. The requested revisions seek to reduce capacity payments and overall consumer tariffs. Key proposals include…

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NEPRA Tariff Member Resigns Amid PM’s Displeasure and Sector CriticismMathar Niaz Rana steps down ahead of term amid stalled projects, regulatory delays

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KARACHI: The federal government has accepted the resignation of Mathar Niaz Rana, Member Tariff at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), following growing dissatisfaction with his performance from both within the government and the energy sector. Rana, a former top bureaucrat who previously served as Chief Secretary in Balochistan, resigned four months before completing his term. His appointment had been made on Balochistan’s recommendation, but insiders say that his extension was unlikely due to mounting criticism over his handling of key regulatory matters. While no formal reason was cited…

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Pakistan, IFC Join Forces to Fast-Track Electric Mobility RevolutionFocus on Two- and Three-Wheelers to Drive Sustainable Transport Shift

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ISLAMABAD: In a major step toward accelerating Pakistan’s transition to electric mobility, the Ministry of Industries and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at boosting investment and reforming the policy landscape for electric two- and three-wheelers (e-2/3Ws). The new partnership seeks to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s electric vehicle (EV) sector by addressing legal, regulatory, and market barriers. The IFC will offer technical support to streamline regulations, assist in policy development, and bolster standards across the e-2/3Ws value chain. Key regulatory stakeholders—including the Engineering…

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$8 Trillion Showdown: Rare Earth Minerals Ignite Federal-Provincial Rift in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is heading toward a major political and constitutional confrontation as the federal government and provinces clash over control of the country’s vast rare earth mineral reserves—strategic resources now seen as more valuable than oil and gas. Senior analyst Najam Sethi recently spotlighted the brewing conflict on his television show, highlighting disputes over ownership, control, and revenue-sharing from rare earth mining projects. With estimated reserves valued at an astonishing US$8 trillion—nearly 20 times Pakistan’s current GDP—the stakes are monumental. Provinces assert their constitutional right to up to 90% of…

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